Get Spooky with New Mexico’s Ghost Cheesecake Brownies Recipe!

Photo byNaomi Madison

In the land of enchanting desert landscapes and ancient traditions, New Mexico’s culinary scene is a vibrant mix of flavors and creativity. Around Halloween, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a dessert that’s as spooky as it is delicious—Ghost Cheesecake Brownies! This frightfully fun treat combines the rich, fudgy goodness of dark chocolate brownies with ghostly cheesecake swirls that will bring a smile to any gathering.

New Mexico, known for its unique blend of cultural influences, also has a sweet side. These brownies, with their playful design and decadent taste, bring the spirit of the season to life. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or simply want to bake something special for family and friends, this recipe will surely be a hit. With easy-to-find ingredients and a simple process, you can whip up these ghoulish goodies in no time.

Ghost Cheesecake Brownies Recipe:

Ingredients:

Chocolate Brownies:

• 3 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• ⅔ cup all-purpose flour

Cheesecake Ghosts:

• ½ (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 large egg white
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Start by gathering all of your ingredients. Grease an 8x8 baking dish and line it with parchment paper, ensuring the edges hang over the sides for easy removal.
2. Place the chopped chocolate into a heatproof bowl. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then pour it over the chocolate. Let the mixture sit for five minutes until the chocolate softens, then stir until fully melted and smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the eggs and sugar. Use an electric mixer on high speed to whisk the mixture until it turns pale yellow and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and kosher salt, continuing to mix for another minute.
4. Slowly add the melted chocolate and butter mixture, blending for about 30 seconds until fully incorporated. Use a spatula to fold in the flour, ensuring there are no dry patches.
5. Set aside two teaspoons of the brownie batter for decorating. Pour the remaining batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
6. To create the cheesecake ghosts, whisk together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg white, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
7. Place nine dollops of the cheesecake mixture evenly over the brownie batter. Use a spoon or bamboo skewer to shape the dollops into ghost-like figures, spreading them out slightly.
8. Take the reserved brownie batter, transfer it into a small plastic bag, and snip off one corner. Pipe two eyes and a mouth onto each cheesecake ghost to give them a spooky face.
9. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the brownies in the center of the oven for 35 to 40 minutes. The edges should turn lightly golden, and while a toothpick won’t come out clean due to the fudgy texture, the center should feel set.
10. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before transferring them to a plate and cutting them into squares. Serve these delicious Ghost Cheesecake Brownies and watch as they vanish quickly from the table!

These Ghost Cheesecake Brownies are the perfect dessert for any Halloween-themed celebration in New Mexico. The creamy cheesecake ghosts on top add a hauntingly good twist to classic brownies. Whether you're an experienced baker or just looking for a fun activity, this dessert is bound to impress your guests and bring a bit of Halloween spirit to your kitchen.

Recipe information